BMGT-8028 Week 10 Discussion 2: Reflecting on Your Course Experience

Introduction to Week 10 Discussion 2: Reflecting on Your Course Experience

The BMGT-8028 Week 10 Discussion 2: Reflecting on Your Course Experience is an opportunity for students to introspect on their learning journey throughout the course. This assignment involves reviewing your initial discussion post from BMGT-8028 Week 1 and evaluating how your understanding of theory has evolved, particularly in its application to research. The reflection will also distinguish between qualitative and quantitative approaches to theory and assess the appropriate methodology for future research based on current literature.

Review your discussion post from Week 1.

Reviewing Initial Discussion Post

• Revisit your Week 1 discussion post to recall your initial perspectives.
• Note any changes or growth in your understanding since the beginning of the course.
• Reflect on specific theories or concepts that have influenced your learning journey.

Example

Reflecting on my Week 1 discussion post, I realize that my understanding of the role of theory in research has significantly deepened. Initially, I saw theory as merely a backdrop for research. However, I now recognize it as an essential framework that shapes the entire research process, from formulating questions to interpreting results.

Now that you have completed the course, what have you learned that has changed your understanding on how theory is used to advance knowledge and to support and frame research?

Understanding Theory in Advancing Knowledge

• Reflect on how theory supports and frames research in your specialization.
• Discuss how theoretical frameworks guide the research process and contribute to the development of new knowledge.
• Consider examples from course materials that illustrate the practical application of theory in research.

Example

Through this course, I have learned that theory is dynamic and instrumental in advancing knowledge. It provides a lens for understanding phenomena and helps frame research in a way that can yield meaningful insights. For example, theory in qualitative research can guide the interpretation of complex social behaviors, while in quantitative research, it helps in hypothesis testing and establishing causality.

Describe how theory is viewed differently when the study approach is a qualitative method versus a quantitative method.

Comparing Qualitative and Quantitative Methods

• Explain the differences in how theory is used in qualitative versus quantitative research.
• Qualitative: Emphasize the exploration of phenomena and the development of theories.
• Quantitative: Highlight the testing of hypotheses and measurement of variables.
• Use course readings to support your explanation.

Example

Qualitative methods, such as those used by Smith and Doe (2019), rely on theories to provide deep, contextual understandings of phenomena. They use grounded theory to explore lived experiences, which allows for rich, nuanced data. In contrast, quantitative methods, exemplified by Johnson and Lee’s (2020) regression analysis study, use theory to test hypotheses and quantify relationships between variables, emphasizing precision and generalizability.

Based on your current understanding of the literature around your topic, discuss whether future research on your topic requires a quantitative or qualitative method.

Determining Future Research Methodology

• Based on your understanding of the literature, decide whether future research on your topic should use a qualitative or quantitative approach.
• Consider the strengths and weaknesses of each method in relation to your research goals.
• Provide justification for your choice by referring to specific studies or theoretical perspectives.

Example

Based on my current understanding, I believe a mixed-methods approach would be most beneficial for future research on my topic. This approach combines the depth of qualitative insights with the rigor of quantitative validation, providing a comprehensive understanding of complex issues. By integrating both methods, I can leverage the strengths of each to address research questions more effectively.

By Friday: Reply to at least two fellow learners with a question about their posts that would clarify what they wrote. By Sunday: Reply to the learners who responded to your questions about their posts.

PEER RESPONSES 

• Engage with at least two peers’ posts by Friday.
• Ask clarifying questions or extend the discussion with additional insights.
• Respond to those who have commented on your post.
• Reflect on what you learned from their perspectives and how it influences your research approach.

Example

Your reflection on the evolving role of theory in research is insightful. I appreciate how you distinguish between the applications of theory in qualitative and quantitative methods. The example of mixed-methods research integrating both qualitative and quantitative approaches is particularly compelling. It emphasizes the value of a comprehensive strategy in addressing complex research questions. Your shift towards a mixed-methods approach resonates with my own research experiences and highlights the importance of flexibility in methodology. How do you plan to integrate theoretical frameworks into your future mixed-methods research?

Closing

Reflecting on your course experience helps consolidate your learning and prepares you for future research endeavors. By evaluating your initial understanding, exploring how theory advances knowledge, comparing research methodologies, and determining the best approach for future research, you develop a comprehensive perspective on your field. This reflection is crucial for identifying areas of growth and planning your next steps in academic and professional development.